7 timeless styles for painting a fire surround or mantelpiece
A mantelpiece or fire surround presents a host of design opportunities to elevate your living space. These beautiful architectural features provide a natural focal point within a scheme. Incorporating the fire surround into your project will give your living space a balanced, considered feel.
Explore inspiring ideas for how to paint a fireplace surround, using timeless shades from the Paint & Paper Library palette…
Including a fire surround within your scheme
Usually situated in the centre of a room, your mantelpiece or fire surround is the visual focal point of your living space. Many fire surrounds feature ornate architectural details, while some present a sleek contemporary finish. No matter the design, a fireplace can draw the eye as soon as you enter the space.
You might choose to paint your fire surround or mantelpiece in a shade that complements the wall colour for an all-encompassed effect. Or for a classic marble mantelpiece, consider how you can design your scheme in a way that enhances the fireplace.
Discover a selection of ideas for painting a mantlepiece. Find inspiration to incorporate your fire surround into your scheme.
Can you paint a fire surround or mantelpiece?
The Architects’ finishes are recommended paints for mantelpieces and fire surrounds. Architects’ Eggshell, Satin and Gloss are all self-priming paints. Each brings a smooth, protective finish to wooden or plaster mantelpieces. These multi-surface finishes are also suitable for painting any ceramic tiles that surround your fireplace.
The Architects’ finishes are available in the complete colour palette. This means that there are no creative restrictions as you design your scheme and choose your mantelpiece paint. You can use these finishes to paint all the outer surfaces of your wooden mantelpiece or fire surround. However, we don’t recommend painting the inside of fireplaces.
Timeless mantelpiece and fire surround paint ideas
1. Incorporate your mantelpiece in a colour-drenched scheme
Embracing one shade on every element of your space can deliver a luxurious, enveloping feel. Choose a palette of cocooning inky blues to transform your living space into a place of sanctuary. To incorporate your mantelpiece into this scheme, select related, softly contrasting hues for the walls and trim.
Kigali combines with Squid Ink on the fire surround and skirting boards. The result is a moody, sophisticated scheme with a real sense of character.
2. Accompany bold walls with a neutral trim and fire surround
The fire surround is the natural focal point of a space, but this doesn’t mean it must be painted in bold, statement shades. Consider using your walls as the host for a bright, striking hue such as Blue Tiger.
This vibrant wall colour will deliver a truly captivating effect. Introduce soft, complementary neutrals in the other parts of the space. Paint the ceiling, skirting boards and mantelpiece in shades from the Lead Architectural Colours to bring balance and harmony to the scheme.
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3. Choose coordinating colours for woodwork, mantelpiece and walls
Mantelpieces, internal doors and skirting boards are often left painted white out of habit. But introducing a coordinating paint shade on these elements can add instant design interest to your living space. Select a harmonious colour combination that reflects the atmosphere you want to achieve. A pink and blue pairing, such as Yesterday’s Flower and Bluebird, will invite warmth and elegance into your scheme.
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4. Complement an impactful, all-over scheme with a neutral fire surround
If your entire space features bold, richly coloured hues, consider painting your fire surround in a neutral palette to bring a touch of colour contrast.
In a space that is immersed in vibrant colour, it can be helpful to introduce paler neutral hues in small proportions. This approach will mean you will benefit from an uplift in tone and avoid overwhelming the space. This Jaipur Pink and Kasbah scheme incorporates Salt III on the fire surround, alongside neutral floors and furnishings.
5. Contrast your marble fire surround with an encompassing dark hue
For living spaces that include a beautiful marble fireplace, there are many ways you can design your space to elevate your scheme. One of the best ways to make the fireplace the visual focal point of your scheme is by creating contrast.
Consider painting the surrounding walls and woodwork in a sumptuous deep brown like Charbone. The earthy dark hues will contrast harmoniously with the light marble of the fireplace. Incorporate light coloured furniture, carpets and soft furnishings for a coordinated finish.
6. Use your fire surround as the focal point within a harmonious scheme
Your fireplace could feature a smart and sophisticated dark marble. Select paler hues for the other elements of the space to create a strong contrast.
Wattle V is a gentle, neutral green that works well on the walls of this home office. The natural undertones provide a softened finish to accompany the dark marble fireplace, furniture and accessories. The introduction of Hornblende as a colour accent ties the whole scheme together.
7. Design a neutral all-over scheme around a classic marble mantelpiece
Elegant and understated neutrals are an excellent choice for a timeless interior. Partner with a classic marble fireplace for a more pared-back scheme. For an elevated look, add design interest by highlighting different parts of the space with graduated neutral shades.
Consider introducing a deeper neutral on the lower part of the walls, at a similar height to your mantelpiece. Then add a highlight stripe of a slightly bolder hue to define this line, giving your scheme a considered finish. Here, shades from the Stone Architectural Colours combine with the earthy grey, Moleskin.
Once you have chosen shades for your mantelpiece project, request sample pots to begin planning your project. Or find more inspiration for designing your space in our gallery.